Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 6, 2014

But the threat the species poses to the Great Lakes still remains a factor for Harbor Beach resident Jack Noble.

“The Asian carp are predators. They eat everything,” said Noble, who serves on a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) citizen’s advisory committee. “They’re like vacuum cleaners.”

Legislation aiming to block Asian carp migrating to the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River basin was introduced in February by U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township. Miller’s bill, which has gained support from the Michigan House, calls for the complete separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.

“The danger of an invasive species coming into the Great Lakes is far greater than what people want to admit,” Noble said.

Politicians and supporters of the legislation agree the presence of Asian carp in the Great Lakes could destroy natural ecosystems and affect the fishing industry. Noble said there are records of Asian carp being caught in Lake Huron, “but not to the point of a problem.”

To ensure it does not become a future problem, Noble supports the closing of canals linking the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes.

“My opinion would be that if we can close down the upper canal of the Mississippi River, it would be one of the better things we can do to help the lakes,” he said.

But simply closing the canal may not bring a solution, Noble added. He also suggests turning off electric barriers located in the Chicago Area Waterway System in Romeoville, Ill. The barriers create an electric field in the water, discouraging the passing of fish from the Mississippi River basin to the Great Lakes. Studies have proven the barriers effective, according to a U.S. Army Corps report.

“The ideal thing would be to treat the water,” Noble said.

The effects of a cold, record-breaking winter also may spell temporary relief.

“Both species of Asian carp are not very susceptible to cold water,” he said.

Noble said the DNR citizen’s advisory committee he serves on hopes to influence politicians and other authorities to take action against Asian carp entering the Great Lakes.

“Right now it’s in the hands of the politicians,” Noble said. “(U.S. Sen. Carl Levin), Miller and (U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow), I think they all understand by now it’s a problem. Unless someone takes it upon themselves to control this, it’s never going to be solved.”